Who says shoes have to match? The left and right shoes in a pair of Xolo Shoes are not exactly the same, even though they complement each other with coordinating designs and colors. The company also sells mismatched rainboots for $49.99. Some styles offer coordinated backpacks as well, also $29.99. ($34.99 and up for lace-up or slip-on; Xoloshoes.com)
(Credit: Handout)

Jewelry for pencils? Sneakers that purposely don't match? Magic Markers disguised as action figures? These could be some of the items kids embrace when heading back to school this September. Here's a peak at some of the cool gear available. --Compiled by Beth Whitehouse...

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Kids can wear these 12-inch rulers around their wrists. Made by an Amityville-based company and modeled after the popular "slap" bracelets, one side has inch and centimeter measures and the other side is decorative. Designs include a neon-orange bracelet that says, "I Love Bacon"; another is neon-green and says "i 'mustache' u a question" with a picture of the currently trendy mustache. ($2.99; target.com)(Credit: Handout)

What's cool for back-to-school

August 28, 2013 9:12 AM

Jewelry for pencils? Sneakers that purposely don't match? Magic Markers disguised as action figures? These could be some of the items kids embrace when heading back to school this September. Here's a peak at some of the cool gear available. --Compiled by Beth Whitehouse